いとしき悪魔のキス

by Annie West

Brooding tycoon Rafe Benton sees beautiful Antonia Malleson as a pawn in his plans toavenge his family's mistreatment by his brutish father. He decides to use his wealth and devastating sex appeal to get this delectable ice queen—and his father's newest favorite—into his bed…. Now Rafe has Antonia right where he wants her, but her innocence changes everything. Suddenly he's forced to question his own behavior…and the depth of his feelings for Antonia. Could it be that this dark and dangerous man has finally found the woman to melt his frozen heart?

Genres: Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Hqn, Romance, Mills and Boon, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

Paperback Shinsho

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!

You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com

I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.

Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge is a dish best served cold, but what's a man to do when he feels irresistible passion for the instrument of his revenge?

Rafe sees Antonia and he wants her instantly. He believes that's mainly because his deadbeat dad is sniffing around her, and he wants to take away his lowlife father's would-be sex toy. However, Rafe has some intense feelings for Antonia that complicate things. Is he cold-blooded enough to go through with his plan to make her his mistress for six months and use her to bring down not-so-dear old dad?

Antonia is reeling from her father's death when drop-dead gorgeous Australian Rafe Benton approaches her with a business offer. He will pay off all her debts if she'll be his mistress for six months. Antonia's appalled. She doesn't even know this man, and she'd never sell herself for money. However, money turns up missing from her father's foundation for cancer research in honor of his beloved deceased wife. Fingers will point towards her father. She can't bear the thought of her father's reputation being tarnished. She agrees to Rafe's proposition, asking for an immediate cash bonus, money that she'll put back into the foundation's accounts. Rafe just takes that as a sign that she's just the gold digger he pegged her for. But there's no reason why he can't enjoy their time together. He doesn't realize that she's going to steal his most closely guarded treasure, his heart.

My Thoughts:

I'm not a big fan of the mistress storyline in general. I admit that the drama-hound in me does like the themes of blackmail sex, revenge and enemies becoming lovers that come with this theme in some books. (I can be honest in my reviews!) And I love Annie West's writing. It was intriguing to see what she could do with it. She does a good job. She gives Rafe some heart and depth that make him more than the sexy bully he appears to be. I can see his vulnerability and understand why vengeance dug its claws deep in him and wouldn't let go. I like that he had to fight to keep Antonia out of his heart from the beginning, and she continually amazed and charmed him with her complexity and generous heart. He saw that she was a good woman, with a lot more integrity that he thought possible when he first saw her. He didn't understand the relationship (or lack thereof) she had with his father, his perceptions flawed as he viewed the situation through the rage at a father who abandoned him and his mother instead of meeting his responsibilities, and the subsequent slow decline in his mother's life until she died prematurely. On top of that were the feelings he had for Antonia, something he'd never experienced in the past with his lovers.

Annie West writes a passionate, involving romance that made for a quick, satisfying read. I liked seeing the evolution of Antonia and Rafe's relationship, and I admired Antonia. She's a principled, strong, loving woman. I had no troubling believing that Rafe would fall hard and fast for her. And I could see why Rafe appealed to Antonia and why she fell in love with him, despite fighting so hard against it, in light of the circumstances of their relationship.

This isn't my favorite book by Annie West, but I really enjoyed it. I'm glad I didn't kick it to the side because of my typical distaste for this theme, because she did it very well. She had all the emotional complexity that takes the typical Harlequin Presents storylines to the next level. I'd recommend it to Harlequin Presents readers.

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first
Until her pregnancy changes everything....
The H gets to know of her pregnancy on the last page, so the blurb (of 'The Billionaire's Bought Mistress' edition) misleads into thinking that the story changes track at some juncture because of her pregnancy whereas the pregnancy plays no role in his or her actions.

Otherwise it’s an enjoyable story where the H blackmails/uses money muscle to make her his mistress for 6 months. She takes money and then more money (as per her needs/debts) and still looks down her supercilious nose at his grubby arrangement. Well, dearie, it’s a free world and you could have said no (and ended in bigger trouble from which he saved your pretty ass). Anyways, she has to be the biggest suffering martyr/ice queen I’ve had the (mis)fortune to read about recently. Well, she suffers in cool silence but not in bed where she holds her own but otherwise she fights/freezes him at every turn.
I liked and pitied the H for his perseverance and tolerance, and hope he got his money’s worth.

‘Rafe’s redemption’ could well have been ‘Antonia’s antagonism’.

[StMargarets · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was hard for me to rate. I found the H to be, as the heroine said, just like his father in the way he treated women. His revenge was so convoluted against his father really didn't make a lot of sense - especially involving a woman his father barely knew.

That he desired the h was evident and could excuse the illogical revenge scheme. But he talked to her like she was a prostitute and she encouraged that because she didn't want to fall for him herself. That she was reeling from grief and from fear of her debtors could excuse her illogical blow-hot, blow-cold behavior.

The fact that they kept this insanity up for so many months is what I can't quite buy. It's "good" that his father's sexual assault on the h finally made them communicate what was really going on - but even that felt - off. Same as their reunion where the H is still buying the heroine's services, this time as tour guide. *sigh*

I never really liked Pretty Woman, either, and this has that vibe. Lots of ugly behavior dressed up as "love" and someone could do a dissertation on the skewed power dynamics between these two. I do think they'll stay together, however, since they both were obsessed with each other.

An intense read for those who love obsessed, misguided heroes and heroines who are still sexually responsive when backed up against the proverbial wall.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Annie West. This is a story about revenge, betrayal and the bitterness that can destroy what really matters in life. Annie West's signature trademark is her ability to create incredibly strong heroines and she once again delivers in "Rafe's Redemption".

Antonia is devastated at the loss of her father. Unfortunately, he has left her with a mound of debt and the possibility of an embezzlement scandal at the charity he founded in memory of her mother. Nearly destitute and about to hit rock bottom, Antonia is forced to agree to being Rafe's mistress in order to pay the debts and put the money back into the foundation. Rafe is a bitter man, who grew up hating his father and is on a quest to ruin him. To Rafe, Antonia is simply a means to an end.

I didn't think these two had a snowball's chance of making it, but that's where Annie West really outdoes her contemporaries. She has a very unique way of building the relationship in spite of the odds. The chemistry just sizzles off the pages and she steps the reader through every inner turmoil and personal conflict. We see Rafe grow and become a better person through his struggles in trying to uncover the real Antonia. We feel Antonia's guilt in allowing herself to be prostituted and how she prepares to protect herself from the eventual fallout of her decisions. Though both despise what the other stands for, they cannot deny their physical attraction. It is all written with the utmost finesse and credibility and as a reader, I surprisingly found that I could not question or condemn the actions of the heroine.

I highly recommend this read. It grips you right from the start all the way to the finish.

[KatieV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice blend of two things I like in HP/M&Bs - the ruthless, vengeful hero who can be a total asshat and some real emotion and remorse/change on his part.

Rafe really treated Antonia like a gold digging whore at times. Of course, she somewhat appeared that way on the surface because of her desperation to get money to save her father's reputation. The H saw behind the facade at times, but resisted following his instincts. I think because recognizing the truth would make him have to face the fact that he was being a complete ass.

He was obviously torn from day one, which is something I love. He found himself unexpectedly jealous, wanting her to enjoy his company, wanting to give her gifts 'just because', and wishing to know more about her as a person. Even before it all hit the fan, he was treating her more like a girlfriend than a mistress.

I won't spoil the irony behind his revenge plot, but it was a very effective reveal that forced the hero to take a long look at himself.

Note: I read the Mills & Boon version, the HP version is titled 'Rafe's Redemption'. Usually the titles stay the same, so thought that was interesting. The HP title is much better because it's more memorable. It's hard to keep track of all the billionaires and mistresses. I don't understand why they can't go back to actual titles like they used to.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough book. I read the whole thing straight through and didn't skim or skip to the end. Have to say though since I didn't write a review as soon as I read it, it doesn't say much for the book that I can't remember much about it a month later.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were aspects to this one that felt 5 star to me, but it ended rather abruptly. Developing relationship and my favorite trope (angry hero treats heroine like a whore and is later horrified by himself). Also loved how their relationship developed...you could see them falling for each other, and the connection forged by their physical intimacy. I expected him to get her mother's jewelry back but he didn't...what is the world coming to when you can't rely on HPs for total predictability!

It does bug me when the hero names an amount but the author doesn't specify it!

[Alexia Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

West has skill with a pen, she will have you burning with anger, melting with desire, and at the end bring you almost to tears.

Rage and Antonia use each other for personal gains, although their hearts refuse to follow the business agreement. An unusual arrangement to be sure, you will feel Antonia's pain and despair as she deals with the repercussions of her choice. Antonia begins to wonder if there will be a happy ending for her and Rafe, through most of it you will be sure there isn't. The fire between the two is what brought them together and is what manages to result in their eventual redemption.

Very moving and worth the time to read this book.

[Boo · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know, I love a good romance novel. All the old cliches are so much fun normally. But one I've never been able to get on-board with is the prostituting yourself for money one. I don't care if it's to save your paraplegic octogenarian grandmother who can't talk, only has one arm and needs a rare brain transplant or she'll explode - it's demeaning and there is no way to paint it as anything other than demeaning, to both the h and the H. It's really hard to come back from that one for me. A shame because I love Annie West M&Bs.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this on The Romance Bandits blog.

This is the second book I’ve read by Annie West and, once again, she doesn't disappoint. I loved this passionate, emotional and intense romance.

Rafe



Rafe Benton is arrogant ,self-opinionated and domineering. He has no qualms about blackmailing Antonia Malleson into becoming his mistress for six months. She will be the perfect tool in his plan of revenge against the father who seduced, abandoned and ultimately destroyed Rafe’s mother. After all, Ms Malleson is nothing more than a cold-hearted, manipulative money-digger!

Antonia



Antonia Malleson is in an untenable position. She desperately needs money to save her family name and her late father’s reputation. There is only one solution…however unpalatable…become Rafe Benton’s mistress for six months.

Oh boy, do the sparks fly between these two! The sexual tension positively sizzles, heightened by Rafe thinking he has the upper hand while Antonia is determined to show him that she still has a mind and a will of her own. I love the part where, unable to hide the fact that she is obviously Rafe’s mistress, she decides to flaunt her status asa gesture of defiance. So when Rafe insists…

“I want you looking spectacular tonight. Don’t disappoint me.”

…he gets more than he bargained for!

I love how Ms West shows the subtle changes in their relationship as they gradually fall in love. Something as simple as a look or a kiss seems to speak a thousand words:

He took in her large eyes, her lush mouth, her classic beauty, and felt something tug deep inside him. A need to banish the shadows from her eyes.
Rafe put his finger under her chin, revelling in the soft texture of her flesh, and tilted her face up. He leaned forward and pressed a slow, tender kiss to her lips.

When Rafe kissed her like that, Antonia’s mind ceased to function. Instead she was simply aware. Of him, of the steady acceleration of her pulse as desire built, and of a warmth that was more of the spirit than the body.

Ms West certainly knows how to write hot, steamy, and emotional love scenes. Here are a few tantalizing tidbits!

Her slim fingers touched him and thought fled. He held his breath as tentatively, softly, her fingers fluttered over him. She fumbled with the condom, paused and tried again.

He lingered,stroked, his caresses languorous , then purposeful. And through it all his eyes held hers captive.

He lifted his hands to the back zip of her trousers and eased it down, enjoying the view of her naked cheeks. He’d been mistaken. She was wearing a tiny wisp of a thong. He hooked a finger underneath it and traced her bare flesh, enjoying the tremor she couldn’t hide.

I really wanted to slap Rafe when he misconstrues the situation between Antonia and his father. When Antonia discovers the full truth behind his proposition, I was so glad she gave it him straight. It forced him to re-evaluate his life and prove himself worthy of her love.

If I have one little niggle, it is that the story ends rather too abruptly. Call me sentimental but I would have liked a charming Epilogue.

Overall, this passionate, emotional and sensual love story was a great read!


REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

SENSUALITY RATING: HOT



This review has also been posted on my blog:

http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...

[suman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kace | The Booknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!

Rafe's Redemption/The Billionaire's Bought Mistress was a story for those times when you need a little more emotional angst and something a little deeper to read. The anger, the angst, the emotions, and passion all sucked me in that I read it in one sitting. I was captivated by both Rafe and Antonia's stories from start to finish. Ms. Annie West did a great job with this book. She was able to take a familiar storyline and then fleshing it out emotionally so it doesn't feel stale and dated.

The sexual tension between them positively sizzles. The romance was a slow burner, and the verbal sparring between them was pretty steamy and hot. I loved the fact that even she wanted to hate Rafe, she couldn't. But she sure as hell gave him an excellent cold shoulder, and he fought her tooth and nail.

My only complaint the story ends rather too abruptly. I would have liked a charming Epilogue. But overall, this book was an incredible, passionate, emotional, sensual love story and a great read to boot!

[Mary E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days. Love Annie West's work.

[Jebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little intense at times. I wanted to love it, but I ended up only just kind of liking it. The characters are well-drawn, especially Rafe. He just comes through the pages larger than life. The story itself seemed to be broken up into three definitive parts: 1) Meeting up to the deed; 2) After the deed up to the sharing of pasts; 3) Segue into deep feelings, drama-filled climactic scene into HEA.

There was a lot of telling then maybe one scene of showing. The thing that really got me, though, was I couldn't figure out why the h was such an Ice Queen. According to the story, she had a perfectly normal, happy upbringing until her mother passed away and her father seemed to take that much harder. Not that she didn't, it's just it didn't account for her icy demeanor in my book. I guess we're supposed to just chalk that up as her personality. 🤔 I didn't dislike her, but she was an enigma to me, too.

All in all, a quick read to pass the afternoon. I recommend it just for Rafe alone. He's completely smitten from the start, but his objectivity is too clouded for revenge on his father for him to see that he's already fallen.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is one of the better quick read romance novels about blackmail. The heroine was NOT a doormat. The couple fell in love over time and made slight adjustments to accommodate one another. The villain was in the book, not simply forgotten about. The heroine called the hero out on his shit and it was great! Didn't need the super family ending but very good throughout.

[Diane Haag · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy books by Annie West, but I didn't feel this one was as enjoyable as ones in the past I've read. Rafe ticked me off for the first half of the book, as he automatically assumed the worst about Antonia, due to gossip and another male stating bad things about her. The title is appropriate though, as Antonia's actions through the story does bring about a change for the better in Rafe.

[Sabina Alilovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romance with all the old clichés, but I like it :)

[Teelah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’m big on halves these days. It’s nice and angsty, but the ending is kind of crumpled.

[Sarah Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story

Revenge story with a twist. Girl loves guy, guys to dumb to notice until it to late. Some assault involved but not graphic. Could have used eulogy.

[More Books Than Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t like mistress plots where the h essentially prostitutes herself, even when it’s in a good cause. This one is pretty good, though, with enough revenge and grief and angst to get us by the mistress thing.

The bedroom scenes are not fade to black but they are not graphic, no smut.

Does no one in HPlandia know anything about the law? In England and the US children do not inherit parent’s debt. Since h’s dad died in Switzerland I looked it up for there.

Swiss law does provide for the estate’s liabilities to pass to heirs, although they can disclaim the inheritance, meaning the h could walk away. In which case we have no story. Luckily h didn’t do a quickie internet search so yes! Story is on.

Reread 2 years later and couldn’t get by the whole prostitute yourself thing. Lowering from 4 stars to 2. H makes no sense at all

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe's Redemption brings Rafe Benton together with Antonia Malleson. Antonia's father has just passed away and left a ton of debt. Rafe perceives Antonia as a money hungry, user of people. He also thinks she's having an affair with his slimy, scumbag of a father. This father abandoned Rafe's mother when she found out she was pregnant. Rafe has planned vengeance on his father for years and sees Antonia as the perfect tool to exact that revenge.

I had trouble putting the book done and hated when I had too.. Read and Enjoy!

[RomLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For love or money…

Brooding tycoon Rafe Benton sees beautiful Antonia Malleson as a pawn in his plans to avenge his family's mistreatment by his brutish father. He decides to use his wealth and devastating sex appeal to get this delectable ice queen—and his father's newest favorite—into his bed….

Now Rafe has Antonia right where he wants her, but her innocence changes everything. Suddenly he's forced to question his own behavior.and the depth of his feelings for Antonia. Could it be that this dark and dangerous man has finally found the woman to melt his frozen heart?

[AelixRage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give a good writer a clichèd plot and expect a well-written story. Out of countless recycled patterns of misunderstood heroines and revenge-driven heroes, this one was a gem to read.

I loved the heroine for her strength and defiance, her pride. It's really wonderful to read about heroines that can hold themselves with dignity regardless of their attraction to the hero.

The hero came a little bit short and almost unconvincing, but he was good enough. All that male ego, phew!

[Elisa Vangelisti · Rating 3 out of 5]

davvero molto carino. la trama non è nuova, ma annie è bravissima a catalizzare la mia attenzione e a mantenerla. si legge d'un fiato sino in fondo, un ottimo romance che starebbe bene anche in edizione più curata. da rileggere.

rilettura (da 4 a 3 stelle) carino, ma si può liberare.

[Melissa]

wasn't fond of the two characters. the hero was a jerk and pretty much forces her to have sex......not missing out if you skip this one!

[Angy · Rating 4 out of 5]

God! it was really an intense read....

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Harlequin.